That's embarrassing!

What are some things that embarrass you?  Years ago, I heard a Bible study teacher say that "embarrassment is nothing but pride uncovered."  Ouch!  When we're embarrassed it's because something uncomfortable or shameful or inconsistent about us has been exposed.  And we don't like that this has been exposed because we like others to think we're awesome!  And when they don't think we're awesome we get embarrassed because our reputation has been tarnished. Here are some real-world examples:

• You're embarrassed when friends stop by unannounced and your house is messy because you want them to think you keep a clean house (because keeping a clean house is highly valued in our society).  When they see this isn't true, you think it makes you look badly.  This stings your pride.
• You're embarrassed when you're asked a question you should know the answer to but you don't.  This is embarrassing because you want people to think you're smart and thoughtful.  When you don't know the answer, you think it makes you look foolish.  This wounds your pride.
• You're embarrassed when you're caught in an inconsistency.  For example:  You say you value promptness but arrive late to an event; you say it's important to speak kindly about others but then get caught gossiping; you rave at people who don't drive properly but then get honked at for failing to use your turn signal. These things are embarrassing because you've been caught in the act of not living up to what you say you value.  This damages your pride.
• You're embarrassed when your child misbehaves.  Children are a reflection of us so when they don't act as they should, it makes us look like bad parents (and no one wants to be perceived as a bad parent).  So, when your child misbehaves, you tend to throw them under the bus or make excuses for their behavior ("he's just tired").  Anything to deflect responsibility off of you.  Why?  Because being perceived as a bad parent gouges your pride.

So what the solution to this predicament?  Humility.  See yourself for who you really are (see last week's post) and confess the sin to your ever-loving, never changing, forever-forgiving God.  Humility is like a passport right into his presence.  Go there quickly.  You'll find the strength and mercy you need to adjust the thing that brought you the embarrassment in the first place.

James 4:6 - And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”